Coding and Computer Programming: Exploring a New Career

The Internet is indeed king. So much of our day-to-day life is controlled and organized based on elusive 1s and 0s, hidden code, that we might as well be living in the Matrix. That being said, there is a wealth of career potential in developing coding and computer programming skills, becoming one of the brave builders of this constantly changing world. So how do you know if this line of work is for you? Here are some basics to consider.

What is Computer Programming?

In a nutshell, computer programming is creating a recipe to tell computers and software what you would like to “cook” and how. For those lucky enough to work in the field of computer programming, their days are spent building, updating, testing and fixing software programs using a variety of accepted coding languages. Consistent review of a system’s overall performance is needed, as well as tech support, program updates and identifying the need for fixes to properly support the backend data structure of a site, application or other software. A computer programmer may be called upon in their job to do many complex tasks, such as:

Translating the designs and plans of software engineers into functional code.
Creating computer instructions comprised of different coding languages to inform a system’s efficient operations.
Constant career development to keep up to date on new coding languages in order to improve computer language fluency.
Utilizing code libraries to quickly craft multiple lines of code at once.
Troubleshooting and testing all programs on a regular schedule after launch to ensure operational effectiveness.

Is this a good career path for me?

Coding may be a fulfilling career for you if you enjoy learning new languages, especially coding languages. An eager interest in emerging technologies would also make coding a viable choice. If you enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking to solve complex technical challenges, this can be a rewarding career path. It can also often provide a good salary and potentially allow for work flexibility depending on where you use your skills. You may find yourself in a 9-5 traditional office work environment, or these skills can be utilized in a hybrid or remote setting depending on employer requirements. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a computer programmer in the U.S. is $53,626.

The demand outlook for the profession overall has decreased a bit in recent years, a 10% decrease reported from 2023-2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics. This is mostly attributed to technological changes and international competition in the industry. This shouldn’t necessarily be a deterrent, as there is still plenty of work available in this field, but it is a reminder that keeping up with new technology and coding language is a key to long-term success as a computer programmer.

Popular Coding Languages

Most employers search for a computer programmer with advanced knowledge of several different coding languages. A bachelor’s degree in the field is often required or at least recommended. Life University, for example, has a stellar B.S. in Computer Information Systems and Technology that will provide a solid basis in the most prominent programming languages. Some common computer languages that you may come across and learn include:

Python
C++
Java
JavaScript
Ruby
Swift
Kotlin

Programming certifications are another way to stand out in the industry and attain marketable skills. They may require a course and exam to achieve. Some common examples include: